The Best Makeup for Gingers

This makeup for gingers blog post is inspired by one of my best friends! Krissy is a 6’2”-ish redhead powerhouse and has asked me a time or two what is the best makeup for gingers. 

If navigating the world as a ginger is at all difficult, you’d never know it when it comes to Krissy. She’s probably one of the most confident people I’ve ever met, and her red hair is one of her trademarks. In fact, she has three other siblings, and none of them are redheads. 

One thing about Krissy is that she still owns makeup that I gave her like 10 years ago lol. Kidding, but also not kidding. She asked me for beauty product recommendations, and I’m here to review the best makeup for gingers, based on my expertise as a longtime beauty editor and writer. 

Below, you’ll find best tips on what are the best makeup colors for gingers and specific product recommendations, too. 

Makeup For Gingers: What To Know When Choosing Your Perfect Shades

I love gingers for many reasons. One being that I have pretty deep Irish roots (my father’s four grandparents all came from Ireland and he has his Irish citizenship). I’m probably biased, but I think redheads are some of the most beautiful people in the world (and certainly some of the most rare, too). 

There is nothing more gorgeous than a ginger with fiery red hair, beautiful freckles across her nose, and green or blue eyes. That being said, I think because gingers typically have more “reddish” features and pale skin, finding makeup for red hair that looks good can be a bit of a challenge. 

When choosing makeup looks and colors for gingers, it’s important to consider undertones. Most natural redheads have fair to light skin with cool or neutral undertones. If you’re a cool-toned ginger, you’ll want to look for a foundation that is more pink- or blue-based. On the other hand, if you are a most warm-toned redhead (which is pretty rare), opt for a foundation that is more peachy- or golden-based. 

Another thing to consider is the redness in your face that can oftentimes occur from being a ginger. You might want to consider adding a green-tinted primer or color corrector to your face before applying your makeup, as this will help neutralize the redness. Additionally, it’s a good idea to opt for light-to-medium coverage foundation, as you don’t want to cover up your gorgeous freckles!  

What Are The Best Colors For Gingers?

The best colors for gingers for various makeup categories include: 

• Foundation – Pink- or blue-based formulas for cool-toned gingers; peachy- or golden-based foundations for warm-toned redheads
• Lipstick – Peachy nudes, brick red, coral, terracotta, rosewood, and sheer berry
• Brow pencil – Shades auburn, warm taupe, strawberry blonde, or light brown
• Eyeshadow – Green eyes can use plums, bronzes, and copper; blue eyes can use warm golds, soft browns, and peachy hues; and brown eyes can use warm neutrals, mossy greens, and brick shades
• Eyeliners – Brown (softer than black), copper or bronze, forest green, and plum or eggplant
• Blush – Peach, apricot, soft coral, and rosy pinks 
• Mascara – Brown mascara for a more natural look; black or plum mascara for a bolder look

What Makeup Should Redheads Wear?

Best Eye Makeup for Gingers

Eyeshadows

Note: Regardless of your hair color, I always recommend everyone use an eyeshadow primer before applying eyeshadow. Anytime a brand says that their eyeshadow will last all day without primer is a liar lol! I like to use Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($28) or Thrive Causemetics Eye Lift 360° Waterproof Eyeshadow Primer ($26). 

Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener

I’ve been obsessed with these recently. For gingers with blue eyes, a perfect combo would be Pili and Riji ($26 each). That’s the combo I like to use on my blue eyes.  

Laura Geller Kajal Longwear Eyeliner

For gingers with green eyes, I would try the Laura Geller Kajal Longwear Eyeliner ($24 each) in Smoky Plum Kohl, Dark Brown Kohl, or Smoky Amethyst Kohl. Yes, I know it says that these are “eyeliners,” but I prefer to use them as eyeshadows. They are super easy to use, blend pretty well, and will stay put all day. Interested in other products that might look great on redheads? See my Laura Geller Makeup Review for more. 

Merit Solo Shadow

For gingers with brown eyes, the Merit Solo Shadow ($24 each) is a winner. I love to use this formula as a shadow or as a messy eyeliner. Shades that would enhance brown eyes include: Midcentury, Viper, and Social.

Eyeliners

Charlotte Tilbury Eyeliners

I am a Charlotte Tilbury stan through and through, and I’ve been using her eyeliners for years. In my opinion, they are the best of the best. They blend out beautifully and stay put all day long. 

If you’re a redhead looking for flattering eyeliner shades from Charlotte Tilbury ($32 each), there are several standout options that’ll enhance your natural coloring without overwhelming it. For everyday wear, I like The Classic in Classic Brown or Shimmering Brown. For redheads with green or hazel eyes, I recommend the Pillow Talk Eyeliner in Berry Brown.

If you want something a bit more playful, consider trying the Eye Colour Magic Liner Duo in Green Lights, which features a metallic khaki shade that really brings out green eyes. While Charlotte’s Barbarella Brown offers a richer option for nighttime looks, it’s best to use Bedroom Black sparingly, as its intensity can be too harsh on lighter complexions.

Mascaras

L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise

Unless you are going for a smokey eye look, redheads should probably stick to brown or dark brown mascara. I am a L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise ($13) devotee, and recommend this to anyone who wants some added oomph to their lashes. You should opt for Latte Brown or Black Brown if you’re a ginger. 

Best Blush Colors for Redheads

Ogee Crystal Contour Collection

I’ve written about these sticks extensively in my Ogee Makeup Review, but I am totally obsessed. I think the 3-piece set in shades “Crystal” or “Radiant” would be perfect for redheads. If you don’t want to purchase the full Contour Collection ($144), I would opt for the shades “Carnelian” and/or “Topaz” if you are a ginger. 

Versed Blush Stick

This is another blush product ($15 each) that I’ve been using a lot recently. It’s pretty similar to the MERIT blushes, but less expensive. I’d recommend for gingers to opt for the shades “Pinch” or “Deco.”

Laura Geller The Wonder Balm

Laura Geller came out with The Wonder Balm ($32) very recently, and I am a big fan. I love how juicy and hydrating these formulas look on the skin. And I also love how much dewiness they add to dry skin, too. Try the shade “Pinch-Me Pink.” 

BOOM Beauty Boomstick   

What I once regretted purchasing, I now find myself reaching for a lot (my Boom Makeup reviews will explain). I originally purchased a shade that looked terrible on me, but I now own the BOOM Beauty Boomstick in shade Rose Nude and I’m in love. I think this would look beautiful on redheads. 

Best Brow Makeup for Gingers

MERIT Brow 1990 Sheer Gel Pencil

This is a brow pencil ($24) I tend to reach for often. It goes on really smoothly and mimics little brush hairs pretty well. If you’re a ginger, you’ll want to reach for the Taupe shade. 

Thrive Causemetics Infinity Waterproof Eyebrow Liner

This is another brow pencil ($24) I really like. One thing I love is that it comes in a bunch of shades, including a shade for redheads! 

Benefit Gimme Brow+ Brow-Volumizing Fiber Gel

There are so many brow gels out there, but I think this ($16) has been my favorite for years. The reason I love it is because they have my perfect shade, and I love the extensive shade range. 

Best Lip Color for Gingers

Peachy Nudes

Peachy nude lip colors are a redhead’s best friend when it comes to achieving a fresh, everyday look. These warm-toned nudes complement the golden and copper tones in red hair without washing out fair complexions. Unlike beige or cool-toned nudes, which can make your skin look dull, peachy shades add just the right amount of warmth and polish. Think soft, natural, and effortlessly flattering. I recommend the Charlotte Tilbury “Bitch Perfect” ($35).

Rosy Pinks

For a bit of natural flush, rosy pinks are a lovely choice. Look for neutral-to-warm rose shades that enhance your lip color without overpowering your features. Cool-toned or bubblegum pinks can sometimes clash with red hair, but warmer rosy hues give just enough color for a soft, romantic finish. These are great for daytime or paired with a minimal eye look. Try Merit “Baby” ($26). 

Brick Reds

Redheads look incredible in brick reds, terracotta, and rust shades—colors that mirror the earthy undertones in their hair. These rich, warm hues offer bold definition without feeling too harsh or dramatic. Whether matte or satin, brick-toned reds strike a balance between statement and harmony. Perfect for fall, date nights, or anytime you want to feel like your most confident self. I love the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in “Toast of New York” ($8).

Corals

Coral lipstick can instantly brighten your face, especially if you have green or hazel eyes. The key is choosing the right coral—stick with warm, orange-based corals rather than pink ones, which can feel too cool against red hair. Corals are especially flattering in spring and summer, adding a playful pop of color that still flatters your natural features. Try the Flower Beauty Perfect Pout Moisturizing Lipstick in “Tiger Lily” ($11). 

Sheer Plum

If you want a slightly bolder lip without going full glam, sheer berry or plum shades are a great option. These colors enhance the depth of your features and pair beautifully with green or hazel eyes. Look for sheer or balm-like formulas that allow some of your natural lip tone to shine through. They’re also great transition shades from day to night. The Clinique Almost Lipstick in “Black Honey” ($25)will be your go-to for this one. 

Best Bronzer for Redheads

When choosing a bronzer as a redhead, the key is to find a shade that warms up the skin without looking too orange or muddy. Most redheads have fair or cool-toned complexions, so it’s best to stick with bronzers that are light to medium in tone with neutral to slightly warm undertones. 

Avoid anything too deep or red-based, which can clash with your hair color or exaggerate redness in the skin. Buildable formulas are ideal because they allow you to control the intensity gradually, creating a natural, sun-kissed effect. Cream bronzers are especially flattering for redheads, as they tend to melt seamlessly into the skin and look less powdery on fair tones.

Some picks you might want to consider are the Saie Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer in “Light Bronze” ($32), the Tower 28 Bronzino in “West Coast” or “Sun Coast” ($20 each) or the Milk Makeup Matte Cream Bronzer in “Baked” ($24).